Syracuse men’s basketball: thoughts after the exhibition games

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Syracuse men’s basketball: thoughts after the exhibition games

Gerry McNamara, head coach of the Syracuse Orange, looks on during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame college basketball exhibition game between the Syracuse Orange and the UConn Huskies at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Kevin Wall

Mon, October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC ·

4 min read

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The Syracuse Orange have completed their three exhibition games and with the season opener next Monday, we wanted to share some of our thoughts after seeing Gerry McNamara's squad in action.

What is one positive you took away from the three games?

Max: The Guards being swappable

Moesch and Dual are both very talented, which is something that is great for this upcoming season. There will have to be a decision between the two of who to favor, but it's a good problem to have.

Kevin: Ability to match up

Against Niagara, the Orange started four perimeter players with Luke Wilson, and ran a lineup with Tasman Goodrick at power forward. The flexibility that the roster offers could allow McNamara the ability to counter, or dictate, matchups based on the opponent. In the last few years it has felt like Syracuse has been limited in this area.

Szuba: Gerry McNamara's intent

It was refreshing to hear McNamara say things like "they kicked our rear end on the offensive glass," after the UConn exhibition and "one thing that's for sure is we need to get a hell of a lot better," following the Siena exhibition.

That's no surprise to those familiar with McNamara, it's just that there's a certain weight he carries in his speech. When he emphasizes those things you know he means it.

Now, getting the team to execute is another matter. But hearing McNamara voice displeasure through three exhibitions, knowing he plans to address them while also holding the team accountable, was refreshing – and perhaps even familiar.

What is the biggest concern you have after three games?

Max: Kiyan Anthony

Anthony looked flat out bad in his three exhibition appearances. He oozed confidence in media day and it just did not translate to the court, and I am not getting a positive vibe from it.

Kevin: Half-court Offense

It's hard to project this team without Aidan Tobiason, but what we saw was not appealing. The Orange shot 4-19, 11-35, and 7-18 from 3 in each game. 22-72 is 31% from deep and over a full season that would have ranked 325th in the country during the 25-26 season. Maybe McNamara was holding back, but we saw a lot of guys camping outside the arc and unable to hit shots. Teams will gladly let Syracuse bomb away if they are that anemic from 3.

Szuba: Defense and rebounding

I don't think we've seen Syracuse's best stuff defensively, but at times the defense was lacking and committed too many fouls. That, and rebounding. All the credit to Ryan Moesch but he can't be the team's second or third best rebounder. Syracuse handled Niagara fine in that category and Gavin Doty stepped up, but this is also Niagara we're talking about. Amarri Monroe and Tasman Goodrick might be able to help Luke Wilson more in that category. It'd be good to Sadiq White helping on the glass more once the season starts.

Which player surprised you the most in the three games?

Max: Ryan Moesch

He's very developed for a freshman and is clearly ready to contribute right away, which caught me off guard. It was a pleasant surprise to see him show what he's made of and prove he belongs in the rotation.

Kevin: Mark Morano

You never know what you'll get with freshman but Morano could become a critical fix to my biggest concern. The Orange need a player who can knock down shots and create some offense and with his experience, Morano could make an impact early on in his Syracuse career.

Szuba: Ryan Moesch

Yeah, Moesch impressed through these three exhibitions. I like that he gives Syracuse a totally different look at point guard. His speed and transition game is something the Orange could really use. I just like the way he plays with edge and confidence. He's ready to shoot, eager to make plays and not the slightest bit daunted against bigger, stronger players. While there were times he'd get beat on defense or foul, his desire to stay in front when guarding on-ball was also something I noticed. There could be limitations defensively but Moesch might end up getting more playing time than we anticipated.

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What were your takeaways from the exhibition games?

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